RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of a Multimodal Intervention on Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Infections in Primary Care

This study aims to find better ways to prescribe antibiotics for everyday chest and throat infections like bronchitis, sinusitis, or ear infections. Doctors and pharmacists in France are working together to make sure antibiotics are used only when truly needed and for the right amount of time. This is important because using antibiotics too much or incorrectly can lead to 'superbugs' – germs that are very hard to treat. The study will test two main ideas: better information about common viruses circulating, which might help doctors decide if an antibiotic is truly necessary, and pharmacists checking prescriptions to ensure the duration is correct. The goal is to reduce how often and for how long antibiotics are prescribed for breathing problems, helping to protect these important medicines for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Caen

Enrolment target

4,500

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Angina Acute Bronchiolitis Acute Bronchitis COPD Exacerbation (AECOPD)Laryngitis Acute Otitis Media (AOM)Serous or Congestive Otitis Viral Respiratory Infection (e.g., Influenza)Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)Rhinitis / Nasopharyngitis Acute Sinusitis

What is this study about?

You might have heard about 'antibiotic resistance' or 'superbugs' – these are terms for germs that no longer respond to the antibiotics we have. This is a very serious global problem, as highlighted by the World Health Organization, because it means common infections could become very dangerous again. One of the main reasons this happens is when antibiotics are used too often or for infections they can't treat, like colds and flu which are caused by viruses.

This study is happening in family doctor practices in France, where most antibiotics are prescribed. The team wants to see if a new approach can help ensure antibiotics are used wisely. They are trying out two main things: firstly, giving doctors clearer information about which viruses are currently circulating, which might help them decide if an antibiotic is really necessary for your cough or cold. And secondly, getting pharmacists more involved in checking prescriptions to make sure the length of time you take an antibiotic is just right – not too long.

The main aim is to reduce how long people need to take antibiotics for common breathing-related infections like sore throats, chest infections, and ear infections. The idea is that if an infection is likely viral, the first part of the study (information on circulating viruses) could help doctors avoid prescribing antibiotics unnecessarily. If an antibiotic is needed, the second part (pharmacist review) aims to make sure you take it for the shortest effective time. This helps protect antibiotics for when we truly need them.

Key takeaways

Aims to fight 'superbugs' by improving antibiotic use.
Focuses on common chest, throat, and ear infections.
Involves family doctors and pharmacists working together.
Goal is to prescribe antibiotics only when needed and for the right length of time.
You won't have extra visits or tests as part of this study.
Helps protect antibiotics for future generations.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for patients who visit their family doctor for an upper or lower breathing infection. This includes common conditions like a sore throat (angina), acute bronchitis (a chest cough), a flare-up of existing lung conditions like COPD, laryngitis, ear infections (acute otitis media or fluid in the ear), viral infections like the flu, pneumonia, a runny nose/sore throat (rhinitis/nasopharyngitis), or sinusitis.

You would not be able to take part if you are under special legal protection, for example, if you have a guardian or are unable to make your own medical decisions. There are no age limits for who can be included, and it’s open to everyone, regardless of their sex.

Basically, if you see your doctor for one of these common infections, you might be eligible to be part of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you visiting your doctor for a cough, sore throat, earache, or sinus problem?
Do you have a breathing infection like bronchitis, pneumonia, or the flu?
Are you able to make your own medical decisions?
Do you currently live in France (as this study is taking place there)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves your family doctor's practice in France. If your doctor's practice is one of the six involved, your doctor will be part of the study's plan to improve how antibiotics for breathing infections are prescribed. You, as a patient, wouldn't be asked to do anything extra directly. You would simply have your consultation as usual when you visit your doctor for one of the listed infections. The doctors and pharmacists involved in the study will be following new ways of deciding about and checking antibiotic prescriptions. There are no extra visits, assessments, medications, or long-term follow-ups required from you as a patient. Your medical care will continue as normal, but the way your doctor or pharmacist makes decisions about antibiotics might be guided by the study's approach. We don't have a specific duration for individual patient involvement, as it's about changes to overall practice.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of this study, if successful, is that it could help improve how antibiotics are used across the UK and beyond. This protects these vital medicines, ensuring they work when people really need them and helping to prevent 'superbugs'. For you, as an individual patient, there are no direct extra benefits, risks, or changes to your care beyond what your doctor already decides is best for you. Your doctor will always prescribe what they believe is the most appropriate treatment for your illness, whether that involves an antibiotic or not. You will always have the right to discuss your treatment options with your doctor and make informed decisions about your care.

Locations (1)

CHU CAEN Normandie
Verified postcode
Caen, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is antibiotic resistance?

It's when germs learn to fight off antibiotics, making infections much harder to treat. This study aims to help stop that from happening.

Will I still get antibiotics if I need them?

Absolutely. Your doctor will always decide the best treatment for you. This study is about ensuring antibiotics are used correctly, not withheld when needed.

How does this study affect my doctor's visits?

It won't directly affect your visit. Your doctor's practice will be using new guidelines, but your consultation will feel the same as usual.

Are there any extra tests or medications for me?

No, as a patient, you won't have any extra tests or receive different medications because of this study. Your treatment will be based on your doctor's best judgment.

Is this study safe for me?

Yes, it's very safe. It's about improving prescribing practices, not changing the safety of your treatment.

How to find out more

Renaud Verdon, PU-PH

verdon-r@chu-caen.fr +33231064709 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.